Yes, if it has a USB-to-Host or USB-MIDI socket — most current keyboards do. That connection sends notes to software; hearing the keyboard’s own sounds through the computer needs an audio connection as well.
Check the socket name
USB-to-Host or USB-MIDI connects to a computer. USB-to-Device is for memory sticks and does not.
What you get
Notes into software: virtual instruments, recording, notation and learning programs. Every keyboard in our catalog that offers it lists it, because it is what keeps an instrument useful after it stops being the main one.
What you may still need
An interface, if you want to record the keyboard’s own sounds rather than software instruments.
The questions players ask
What is the difference between USB-MIDI and audio?
MIDI carries note data, so the computer makes the sound. Audio carries the sound the keyboard itself produces. Some instruments do both over one USB cable; many do only MIDI.
Do I need drivers?
Usually not — most keyboards are class compliant and appear as a MIDI device without installing anything.
Last reviewed 2026-08-18